Chelsea and Manchester City kick off the new WSL season in a highly anticipated clash. Chelsea, the reigning champions, are looking to continue their dominance, while Manchester City, under new management, are aiming to reclaim their place at the top. The article previews the match, highlighting key statistics, managerial changes, and players to watch, setting the stage for what promises to be a thrilling encounter.
The Women's Super League (WSL) is back, and the anticipation is palpable as Chelsea and Manchester City prepare to lock horns in a highly anticipated season opener. All eyes will be glued to Stamford Bridge as these two title hopefuls begin their campaigns. Chelsea, fresh off their sixth consecutive WSL title under the impressive stewardship of Sonia Bompastor, are eager to maintain their dominance. Meanwhile, Manchester City, now guided by former Denmark head coach Andree Jeglertz, are determined to reclaim their place at the summit of English women's football.
The last time Manchester City lifted the WSL trophy was nearly a decade ago. The Sky Blues face a monumental challenge in their quest to dethrone the reigning champions. Last season, the two teams engaged in five captivating encounters across all competitions, setting the stage for another thrilling rivalry. As they meet again, both squads are acutely aware of the importance of gaining an early advantage in what promises to be a fiercely competitive title race.
Chelsea enters the match as the bookmakers’ favorite. The Opta supercomputer gives the Blues a staggering 72.3% chance of clinching yet another title. Manchester City, despite their ambition, is given just a 13.7% probability, narrowly edging out Arsenal at 10.1%. Manchester United lurks as a dark horse with a mere 3.9% chance, underscoring the perceived gap between Chelsea and the rest of the league.
Recent history heavily favors Chelsea, who have emerged victorious in four of their five clashes with City last season. Furthermore, the Blues have a formidable home record against their rivals, winning six of their last seven encounters, including two clean-sheet victories last term. City's recent WSL record against Chelsea is underwhelming, with just one win in their last four attempts. However, that solitary victory came away from home in February 2024 (1-0), a result that serves as a reminder of City's potential to upset the odds.
For Andree Jeglertz, the challenge is clear: defy expectations and secure a statement win against the reigning champions. The Opta supercomputer simulations suggest an uphill battle. Chelsea triumphed in 61.3% of the 10,000 pre-match simulations, while City managed a victory in just 18.3% of those scenarios. The likelihood of a draw is marginally higher at 20.4%.
Sonia Bompastor's seamless transition after succeeding Emma Hayes in her debut season was nothing short of remarkable. She led Chelsea to an unbeaten WSL campaign and secured a domestic treble. Bompastor became only the second manager to win the WSL in their debut season, emulating Laura Harvey's achievement with Arsenal. Chelsea's current form is imperious, remaining unbeaten in their last 25 WSL games, a streak surpassed only by two previous runs in the league's history.
Last season, Chelsea broke the points record for a single season, amassing 60 points and setting a new points-per-game benchmark of 2.73. Bompastor's win rate of 86% is the highest in WSL history, underscoring her tactical acumen. A key aspect of Chelsea's success was their defensive solidity, conceding a league-low 13 goals. Goalkeeper Hannah Hampton was instrumental, recording 13 clean sheets throughout the season. The Blues also displayed a knack for narrow victories, with seven of their 19 WSL wins coming by a 1-0 scoreline, a competition record.
Should Chelsea triumph over City, Bompastor will reach 20 WSL wins in just 23 matches, eclipsing Jonas Eidevall's previous record. Chelsea's dominance extends to their home form at the start of seasons. The Blues are unbeaten in their last eight such matches, since a loss to Arsenal in 2011.
Manchester City's 2024-25 season was tumultuous, marked by Gareth Taylor's departure. The team finished outside the top three and recorded their worst points-per-game rate since 2014. However, Jeglertz inherits a squad that lost just one of their final nine games last term, providing a foundation for improvement.
Jeglertz must address City's defensive vulnerabilities. While they scored the third-most goals, they conceded more than any of the teams above them. City needs to maintain its resilience, however, having recovered 13 points from losing positions last season, the most in the league. Jeglertz will be the third Swedish manager to coach in the WSL, with his predecessors also facing Chelsea in their debut games.
City's opener is away from home for the sixth straight season, and they have won just one of their last three such MD1 fixtures. A victory against Chelsea could be the ideal catalyst for Jeglertz's tenure.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Chelsea – Lucy Bronze
Lucy Bronze has demonstrated strength and resilience at the Euros. She now returns to league action, looking to continue an impressive run. Bronze has not lost in her last 69 league appearances across the WSL and Spanish Primera Division, since losing to Chelsea with Man City in February 2022. Her 28-game unbeaten streak specifically in the WSL is the longest by a player since Leah Williamson.
Manchester City – Lauren Hemp
Lauren Hemp aims to become the second player in WSL history to assist in five straight appearances. She finished as the leading assister in the 2024-25 campaign despite playing just 10 matches (eight assists). She created more chances than anyone else in the City team (35), with nine of them being classed as ‘big’ opportunities for her team-mates.